Chief Justus Okorie, a seasoned entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader fron Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi, has declared his intention to contest for the Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency.
Okorie who holds the traditional chieftaincy title of “Ikemba Ishiagu” made his intension known during media briefing on Saturday in Abakaliki declaring that he would contest under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
He pledged to provide effective and people-oriented representation for his constituents if elected into the House of Representatives.
The Ikemba Ishiagu formally signaled his ambition after picking up his expression of interest and nomination forms at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
He said his aspiration was driven by a deep desire to bring quality representation, responsive leadership and sustainable development to the people of the constituency.
According to him, his mission is to ensure that the dividends of democracy are felt by ordinary people through effective lawmaking, empowerment initiatives, infrastructural development and improved welfare for youths, women and vulnerable groups across the constituency.
Okorie, an Abauja-based businessman said he would prioritise policies and programmes that would stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and improve access to education, healthcare and rural infrastructure if elected.
He emphasised that representation should go beyond occupying political office, stressing that elected officials must remain accessible and accountable to the people who entrusted them with power.
“As someone who has spent years serving humanity through business, philanthropy and community development, I understand the challenges facing our people.
” My aspiration is anchored on service, inclusiveness and the determination to improve the living conditions of our constituents.
“The federal constituency, which comprises Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo local government areas of Ebonyi, has enormous human and natural resources but, requires purposeful leadership to unlock its full potential,” Okorie noted.
The aspirant also used the opportunity to commend the leadership qualities of Mr Peter Obi, the frontline contender for the NDC presidential ticket, describing him as a visionary leader with the competence and integrity needed to reposition Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians across political, religious, ethnic and social divides to unite in support of Obi’s presidential ambition in order to rescue the country from its current socio-economic and political challenges.
He said: “Nigeria is at a critical point where citizens must place national interest above sectional considerations and support credible leaders capable of restoring hope, strengthening institutions and rebuilding public trust in governance.”
He maintained that the country’s growing insecurity, unemployment, economic hardship and poor governance required bold and sincere leadership committed to transparency, accountability and national development.
Okorie’s entrance into the race might reshape the contest for the Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency seat, considering his grassroots appeal, philanthropic record and longstanding relationship with communities across the area.
Supporters and stakeholders who accompanied the aspirant to pick the nomination form described him as a bridge-builder and compassionate leader with the experience and capacity to attract meaningful development to the constituency.
Okorie would face his kinsman and incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Chief Nkemkanma Kama of the All progressives Congress (APC), if given the party’s ticket.
The aspirant expressed confidence that the people of Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo would support his vision of effective representation, equitable development and a renewed commitment to democratic governance.
Okorie, born March 31, 1974 is a Microsoft Certified Professional, a graduate Physics from University of Port Harcourt, majoring in Electronics.
He also holds Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Abuja and multiple postgraduate degrees across local and foreign universities including Harvard university among others. ENDS//
